Daimler Truck and Bus proud of gender equality accreditation

Daimler Truck and Bus has hailed its recognition as a Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE).

It becomes the only commercial vehicle manufacturer to be accredited under the scheme in Australia.

Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific president and CEO Daniel Whitehead accepted the accreditation at a special event in Melbourne.

"Being named as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality is critically important to Daimler Truck and Bus because we are firmly committed to attracting and retaining gender diverse talent and achieving true gender equality and pay equity," Whitehead says.

"You miss out on high performing talent within the population if you fail to provide an inclusive and supportive workplace for all genders, and that is just bad business."

While other firms in the broad Daimler stable – Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia and Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific – have four years each of accreditation, Daimler Truck and Bus locally is keen to help rectify the gender imbalance in its sphere.

"The commercial vehicle industry has traditionally been dominated by men, but by leading the way with promotion of gender diversity benefits and equitable practices, we can change that," Whitehead says.

"We are making progress, both at Daimler Truck and Bus and as an industry in general, but we need to continue to take action."

The EOCGE is designed to encourage, recognise and promote an active commitment to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces and is a voluntary leading practice recognition program that is separate to the Equal Opportunity Act.

Daimler was assessed against specific criteria on its approach to leadership, strategy, learning and development, gender pay equity, flexible working and support for family responsibilities. In addition, the criteria focused on preventing sex-based harassment and discrimination as well as targets for improving gender equality outcomes.

The WGEA announced EOCGE citations for 141 companies across a wide range of Australian industries this week.